Cristina Zepeda

The Advancing Learning Lab at Vanderbilt University, led by Assistant Professor Cristina Zepeda, is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher specializing in natural language processing (NLP) and learning analytics. This opportunity is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences and is ideal for candidates interested in analyzing large-scale student interaction and text data from digital learning environments. The research aims to advance understanding of students’ metacognitive strategy use, motivation, and learning in mathematics. The successful candidate will work with rich longitudinal datasets and collaborate within an interdisciplinary research environment. The position offers strong opportunities for publication and professional development. The research focus includes natural language processing, learning analytics, mathematics education, metacognition, motivation, and digital learning environments. The postdoc will contribute to projects that analyze how students interact with digital platforms and how these interactions relate to their learning outcomes in mathematics. The position is based at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Applicants should have a PhD in computer science, education, learning analytics, or a related field, with experience in NLP, large-scale data analysis, and educational research. The position is fully funded, though specific stipend details are not provided. The start date is July 2026 (flexible), and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning March 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, candidates should refer to the job ad linked in the post. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers interested in the intersection of computer science, education, and data analytics to join a vibrant academic community and contribute to impactful research in mathematics education.